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While adding fertilizers to the soil can improve plant growth, dietary supplements designed for human consumption such as calcium or vitamin D do not help plants. The primary nutrients plants need are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Other minerals like calcium are needed in small amounts, but plants use a different form of calcium than is used in dietary supplements. Plants do not absorb vitamin D from soil or water.

Got Calcium?

Normally, the soil has enough calcium to support plant growth. Symptoms of calcium deficiency in plants include tips of young leaves looking burned, dieback at the growing points of the plant, stunted root growth and premature dropping of flowers or buds. These symptoms can be caused by other things, however, so it is best to purchase a soil test kit at a home or garden center to determine if the soil is lacking calcium. Applying lime, calcium nitrate or gypsum will add calcium to the soil that the plants can use.

About the Author

Crafting and creative projects have been part of Heidi Grover's life since she was old enough to reach the glue and glitter. Grover received a degree in creative writing from Utah Valley University and combines her love of crafting with her love of words.